WeROCK City has informed BLABBERMOUTH.NET that drummer Munetaka Higuchi of veteran Japanese metallers LOUDNESS passed away today (Sunday, November 30) around 10:00 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) at a hospital in Osaka, Japan. He was 49 years old.

Higuchi was diagnosed with liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) in April 2008. He had reportedly undergone two rounds of chemotherapy treatment and an operation to remove part of his liver.

In an October 18, 2008 statement released via the band's official web site, Munetaka wrote about his condition (translated from Japanese), "It has been half a year since I was diagnosed with liver cancer. I am really sorry that the fans are worried. The cancer has become worse despite the fact that I have been taking care of my health, and I will need more time for my treatment. [Even after undergoing the] big operation to remove half of my liver, I still need more treatment. There are various risks and dangers involved with my condition, but I'll do my best to keep my spirits up and maintain my physical strength to fight this illness. I know it is still the middle of my treatment, but I just wanted inform you about my progress since the operation. Thank you very much for all the support."

RIP, metal brother.

_________________"Accidents happen because of kids in the back sets. Kids happen because of accidents in the back seat."

You're a fuckin' piece of shit, you know that? The guy is fucking dead, have some respect you cunt. Who the fuck do you think you are? Fuck you. You think people want to know about your fucking ridiculous opinion? Honestly who the fuck do you think you are to come in here and say something like that.

I hope your family dies in a horrible fire just so I can say "good riddance", you fucking asshole.

You're a fuckin' piece of shit, you know that? The guy is fucking dead, have some respect you cunt. Who the fuck do you think you are? Fuck you. You think people want to know about your fucking ridiculous opinion? Honestly who the fuck do you think you are to come in here and say something like that.

I hope your family dies in a horrible fire just so I can say "good riddance", you fucking asshole.

Don't worry about him Dolf, this guy is a moron.

_________________HALBERD - death/doom featuring members of the Metal Archives !!

You're a fuckin' piece of shit, you know that? The guy is fucking dead, have some respect you cunt. Who the fuck do you think you are? Fuck you. You think people want to know about your fucking ridiculous opinion? Honestly who the fuck do you think you are to come in here and say something like that.

I hope your family dies in a horrible fire just so I can say "good riddance", you fucking asshole.

Haha...you're an idiot. take some more queer myspace photos, showing your pre-pubescent physique. When you start growing pubic hair, your opinion may have some significance...until then, bite the bullet, you corn-bred, would-be nazi fag.

Here are my 14 words...utilize them.

We must secure the eradication of National Socialists and their hippie, humanist beliefs.